In Ohio, dash cams are legal, but there are specific regulations regarding their use. These regulations primarily concern mounting restrictions, audio recording, and public access to law enforcement dash cam footage.
Mounting Restrictions: Ohio law prohibits installing dash cams on the windshield. Dash cams must be mounted on the dashboard or another part of the vehicle that doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view of the road. This is because Ohio law states that no object should interfere with the driver’s clear view while operating a vehicle.
Audio Recording: Ohio is a “one-party consent” state regarding audio recording. This means that at least one person involved in a conversation must consent to being recorded. If your dash cam records audio, you should be aware of these laws to avoid legal issues. It’s essential to notify all vehicle occupants that their conversations may be recorded if the dash cam has audio recording capabilities.
Public Records and Dash Cam Footage: The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled that law enforcement dash cam recordings are public records. While certain segments may be redacted for investigatory purposes, much of the footage is accessible to the public upon request. This ruling emphasizes transparency regarding law enforcement activities captured on dash cams.
Using Dash Cam Footage as Evidence: Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence in Ohio courts, provided it’s relevant to the case and complies with state laws. To increase the likelihood of admissibility: Ensure the camera was functioning correctly and testify that the footage accurately depicts the events in question. Dash cam footage can be valuable in car accidents, personal injury claims, and other legal disputes.
Sources:
- https://socalnestbox.com/understanding-dash-cam-new-regulations-in-ohio/
- https://lbmart.hu/understanding-dash-cam-laws-in-ohio-what-you-need-to-know/
- https://mocobizscene.com/us-news/understanding-dash-cam-regulations-in-ohio
- https://aoocci.com/blogs/all/dash-cam-in-ohio
